Benderson needs a few good volunteers for the March Triathlon

What’s that, you say? it’s a dredge, and it’s in the final stages of scooping out racing lanes at Nathan Benderson Park. The scooped earth is then used to construct the 30-acre regatta island that will be the hub of world class rowing. There’s some frenetic activity at the park just now, in anticipation of a series of five competitions coming in March and April. They could use a few good volunteers.

I saw that cool dredge pictured above the other day on a whirlwind tour with Bob Whitford, the man in charge of the Benderson project for the County. Bob has developed rowing courses around the world and says this venue is going to be very much top of the line. They were pouring bridges the day I was there – here’s one of them:

Bridge being poured – segment of new Cattlemen Rd.

The finished park won’t be just for rowers. The County and Benderson folks want it to offer “the most opportunities for the community,” said Whitford. Have a look at the plan here.

It will be open every day and night for people to fish, kayak, jog, hike, meditate (there will be a zen garden), hold dragon boat races, or just picnic. Even now, amid all the activity, there’s a public boat ramp at the south end of the waterway, with parking, that’s open every day – here it is:

Bring your kayak or canoe

There’s a lot more to this story, and we’ll be following it, and telling you more very soon.